Fanelli’s remarkable career with Rangers coming to an end

Ben Fanelli

KITCHENER — Before and after every game, Kitchener Rangers captain Ben Fanelli texts his mom Sue.

"It's a thing we do," said the 21-year-old defenceman.

Pre-game, the message usually reaffirms how happy he is to be heading out on to the ice. After the tilt, he just wants to make sure she knows he's all right.

"It's something little, but it's a huge thing for us," he said.

Only three games remain for Fanelli in a Rangers' uniform.

As the club's sole overage player he'll move on from junior hockey after Wednesday's game in Guelph, Thursday's clash in Sarnia and Friday's season finale at the Aud against the Windsor Spitfires.

That's six more texts before it's all done.

"I want to finish the right way," he said. "I'm making sure I enjoy every shift and every second of it."

Kitchener selected Fanelli in the third round of the 2009 OHL draft. He played just seven games for the Blueshirts before his career was put in jeopardy after he was seriously injured in a game at the Aud.

Erie bruiser Mike Liambas ran Fanelli from behind into the end boards, knocking the defenceman unconscious. The Oakville native was taken to the hospital with a head injury and spent the next two years fighting to return.

And he proved doctors wrong by making it back for the beginning of the 2011-12 season.

That's when the texts home started. His mom supported his journey but was uneasy about seeing him in action.

"It's just something that I think helped her be OK with me playing again," said Fanelli.

During his two-year layoff, he still went to school in Waterloo Region, trained at the rink daily and launched Head Strong: Fanelli 4 Brain Injury Awareness, a program dedicated to spreading the word about brain injuries.

Without the support from the team and fans he says he probably would have retired.

"The Rangers didn't owe me anything," he said. "I was just a draft pick that had played seven games. That's why I'm thankful every day. That's why I do the community stuff."

And it's why this week is emotional.

The bus rides home from outposts across Ontario. The solo pre-game walks in the neighbourhood surrounding the Aud. The lead-up to puck drop on game night. And, of course, his teammates.

He's going to miss it all.

"Just the way the hockey players are in the room," he says. "There is just something special about it."

Fanelli is undecided about his future. Years of community service have opened his eyes to new and exciting possibilities away from the rink.

So, there is a lot on his mind as Friday's finisher approaches. He's not sure how the game will go. Not sure how he'll react during his last shift either.

Quick hits: Guelph has won all seven games against the Rangers this season. … The Storm have a three-point lead on Erie and a four point advantage on London for first overall in the OHL. … Storm forward Brock McGinn is averaging two points per game against Kitchener this season. … The Rangers are mired in an eight-game losing streak. … Kitchener forwards Brandon Robinson and Ryan MacInnis each have three points in their past two games.